Liz Carpenter, a Texas humorist and women’s rights crusader who trolled the corridors of power in Washington as a journalist and trusted aide to Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson, never shedding her common touch and flair as a friend-maker, party-thrower and mentor, died Saturday morning in Austin. She was 89.
Carpenter, who had been suffering from pneumonia, died at University Medical Center Brackenridge in Austin, her daughter Christy Carpenter told The Associated Press.
Liz Carpenter, who was in President John F. Kennedy’s motorcade Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas, penned the 58 words Mr. Johnson spoke to a grief-stricken nation as he arrived at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., hours after Kennedy’s assassination elevated him to the country’s highest office.
“I will do my best,” Mr. Johnson concluded. “That is all I can do. I ask for your help, and God’s.”
A very hard day and very good words so long ago
One of the marvelous and colorful characters of the last generation in public life. She will be missed, especially for her wonderful sense of humor.